Sugat still taking place in complex

CEBU, Philippines - Minglanilla Mayor Elanito Peña yesterday said the “Sugat Kabanhawan” reenactment on Easter Sunday dawn will still take place at the oval in front of the Minglanilla Sports Complex. 

This after parishioners initiated a signature campaign asking that the Sugat be held in front of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Shrine. They also want to discontinue the disco that comes with the activity as this often leads to drunkenness and public displays of affection among youth.

It was signed by Reverend Fathers Arnie Visitacion, Leo Cabahug, Renato Senining, Arturo Bornia and Miguel Abangan.

Peña said he cannot grant the request of the parishioners to hold the Sugat Kabanhawan in front of the church since the place is too small and there will be security risks.

“Kanang hangyo nila nga anha lang sa simbahan ipahigayon, maglisod ta niana. Kung imong matan-aw ang atubangan sa simbahan, puno na kaayo og mga tawo nga manindahay. Kuyaw sa stampede ug ang security pud,” Peña said.

However, Peña said they will do away with the disco.

“Yes. Dili na sab nato sugtan nga aduna’y disco nga mahitabo,” he said.

Held every Easter Sunday, the event reenacts the meeting of the risen Christ and Mother Mary. It is followed by activities and events throughout the day.

Peña also said the town has set aside P2 million for the activity, including the Sugat Kabanhawan Festival and the preparations are already in place.

There was no discussion yet if next year’s sugat will be held in front of the church.

By 2 p.m. the Kabanhawan Street Dancing celebrations will be kicking off while the Kabanhawan Ritual Showdown is set for 6 p.m.

Apart from its scheduled activities, the Sugat Kabanhawan Festival also puts the spotlight on Minglanilla’s cultural history, homemade products, trades and arts.

Parishioners of the church had mixed reactions regarding the venue of the annual sugat.

May Palconit, 18, said the event should be held in front of the church because for her, the church has the ideal ambiance for contemplation and concentration during the celebration.

Luida Tan, 35, agreed saying the location is accessible to devotees and tourists.

On the other hand, Lita Libradilla, 53, said everyone should embrace the idea of holding the event in the sports complex because people would be comfortable watching the presentation.Rhea Resibas, 42, reminisced the time when the event took place in the church.

“Tungod sa kadaghan og tawo, kay Minglanilla  raba gyud ang pinaka-best nga sugat. Humana man gud diri sa simbahan sauna pero naghuot ba, unya nag-gubot nuon,” Resibas said.

“Ang problema lang gyud kun diri sa simbahan, gamay lang gyud  og tawo ang makakita og tarong,” she said. She agreed that the disco should be discontinued.

Cicel Bernades, 34, said the event should take place in a much bigger venue that can accommodate many devotees, and the sports complex suits this purpose.

“Dili man gyud ta kabuot nila kay sa simbahan man gyud no, pero kun agdon nila ang mga tawo, mas maayo pud,” Bernades added.

Visitacion declined to give reactions regarding the statements of the mayor. He said he will reveal the stand of the church after meeting with the mayor today.

Minglanilla, located some 15 kilometers south of Cebu City, is known for its grand celebration of the Sugat. — /BRP (FREEMAN)